Funeral service leaders from across the country will gather August 2–5 in Louisville, Kentucky, for the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference, and this year’s speaker lineup is designed to help attendees lead with greater confidence, clarity and purpose.

From advocacy and legal risk to workplace culture, communication and generational leadership, this year’s sessions will tackle the real-world challenges today’s funeral service leaders face every day. Highlights include:

• Bob Harris, nationally recognized association management expert and longtime Leadership Conference favorite, returning to share insights drawn from decades of experience working with associations and nonprofit organizations
• Chris Yonker, family business and leadership consultant, sharing practical strategies for engaging and retaining the next generation of funeral service professionals
• Lesley Witter, MPA, CAE, NFDA Senior Vice President of Advocacy, examining how federal politics and policy shifts are shaping the future of funeral service
• Martha Thayer, founder of Mortuary Training, leading a session on navigating difficult conversations and conflict with confidence and professionalism
• Chris Farmer, NFDA General Counsel, exploring leadership, liability and legal risk management in funeral service
• Wes Henderson, founder of Angel’s Envy Bourbon, closing the conference with reflections on leadership, legacy and sustaining a values-driven family business

Attendees also will participate in NFDA’s popular Breakout by Office discussions, connect with peers from across the country and take part in conversations shaping the future of the profession.

The conference takes place at the Omni Louisville Hotel and includes networking events, optional excursions and opportunities to build meaningful professional connections in a more intimate leadership-focused environment.

Early-bird registration rates end May 29. If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills, connect with fellow funeral service professionals and bring back practical ideas you can apply immediately, now is the time to register. Learn more and register at NFDA.org/Leadership.